Boston Fern vs Hosta

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Nephrolepidaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hosta

Hosta spp.

Asparagaceae · flowers

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Boston Fern (Zones 9-11)

Hosta (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 9–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Hosta
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Hosta spp.
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	3'
Spread	4'	4'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Lavender
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	East Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Boston Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Hosta

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Boston Fern

✓Mist frequently or use humidity tray.
✓Water when top inch of soil is dry.
✓Keep away from heating vents.
✓Trim brown fronds at base.
✓Divide when crowded.

Hosta

✓Protect from slugs with copper barriers or iron phosphate bait.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓More sun = more flowers but less blue color.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Boston Fern if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with high water in zones 9–11.

Choose Hosta if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–9. They share similar sun requirements (part shade to full shade), making them potential garden companions.

View Boston FernProfile →View HostaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Hosta grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Hosta grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

Do Boston Fern and Hosta have the same sun and water needs?

Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water, while Hosta needs part shade to full shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Hosta?

Both Boston Fern and Hosta reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 4' and 4' respectively.

Are Boston Fern and Hosta deer resistant?

Boston Fern is deer resistant, but Hosta is not. If deer are a concern, Boston Fern is the better choice, or protect Hosta with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Hosta?

Boston Fern has medium maintenance while Hosta has low maintenance. Hosta may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Boston Fern	Hosta
Scientific Name	Nephrolepis exaltata	Hosta spp.
Family	Nephrolepidaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧💧 High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	3'
Spread	4'	4'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Summer
Bloom Color	None	White, Lavender
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Tropical Americas	East Asia
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Boston Fern

✓Mist frequently or use humidity tray.
✓Water when top inch of soil is dry.
✓Keep away from heating vents.
✓Trim brown fronds at base.
✓Divide when crowded.

Hosta

✓Protect from slugs with copper barriers or iron phosphate bait.
✓Divide in spring or fall.
✓More sun = more flowers but less blue color.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Boston Fern if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with high water in zones 9–11.

Choose Hosta if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 9–9. They share similar sun requirements (part shade to full shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Boston Fern and Hosta grow in the same hardiness zone?

Boston Fern grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Hosta grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 9 through 9.

Do Boston Fern and Hosta have the same sun and water needs?

Boston Fern needs part shade to full shade and high water, while Hosta needs part shade to full shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Boston Fern or Hosta?

Both Boston Fern and Hosta reach approximately 3' in height, with spreads of 4' and 4' respectively.

Are Boston Fern and Hosta deer resistant?

Boston Fern is deer resistant, but Hosta is not. If deer are a concern, Boston Fern is the better choice, or protect Hosta with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Boston Fern or Hosta?

Boston Fern has medium maintenance while Hosta has low maintenance. Hosta may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.